U.S. Open Championships Come to Fort Lauderdale

An international field of more than 250 of the world's best judo players from 20+ countries will arrive in Fort Lauderdale this weekend to compete in the U.S. Open Judo Championships - the top senior elite event in North America. The competition will run Oct. 1 - 2 at the Broward Country Convention Center.

Preliminary competition begins at 10 a.m. and will run through late afternoon each day. Finals will begin at 6 p.m. each day. The event also will be webcast live for the first time ever at www.livesportsvideo.com.

Reser is the defending U.S. Open champion in this division while 2004 World Junior Champion Rousey is looking for her first title here. Although the Rendez-Vous was Taylor 's first international win, the eighteen-year-old won silver at this event last year, but may face a significant challenge from Hiram Cruz (Jacksonville, Fla./55kg) who returned to competition this year after two years off. In a division known for young athletes, he brings a wealth of experience - as well as a 2001 National Championship title - to this year's competition.

At least 19 athletes from Florida are expected to take the tatami this weekend, including 10 from Jhonny Prado's (North Lauderdale, Fla. ) Ki-Itsu-Sai Judo Club. The Ki-Itsu-Sai contingent is known for its grasp on the top rankings on most of the junior rosters, but this crew of predominantly high schoolers also has been steadily moving up the senior rankings.

In particular, 17-year-old standout Bobby Lee (North Lauderdale, Fla./73kg) has been undefeated in both junior and senior events since April, but will face still competition from the Reser and Richard Cohen (Buffalo Grove , Ill.) Meanwhile Jeanette Rodriguez (North Lauderdale, Fla./48kg) has moved up from the 44kg division where she won the U.S. Open last year as a 14-year-old. Franchesca Durand (North Lauderdale, Fla./52kg) will be another Ki-Itsu-Sai athlete to watch as the third-ranked athlete will challenge Chandler as well as second-ranked Natalie LaFon (National City , Calif. /Judo America)